SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina requires SR-22 insurance for 3 years after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui conviction, driving without insurance, license suspension. South Carolina also requires UM/UIM coverage.
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Overview
South Carolina mandates that all drivers required to carry an SR-22 must do so for at least three years. Lapsing in this coverage could result in another license suspension and a reset of the SR-22 filing period.
Key Facts
Minimum Coverage Requirements
What Triggers SR-22 Requirement
- DUI conviction
- Driving without insurance
- License suspension
- At-fault accident while uninsured
Cost
How to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an SR-22 filing. Not all insurers offer SR-22 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets South Carolina's minimum requirements: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Insurer Files SR-22 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the South Carolina DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the SR-22 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 3 years
Keep your SR-22 insurance active for the full required period of 3 years without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your SR-22 insurance lapses in South Carolina, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full SR-22 filing period (3 years). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
South Carolina also requires UM/UIM coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, you typically need to maintain SR-22 insurance for 3 years. The clock starts from the date your SR-22 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina?
- The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the real cost is the insurance premium increase — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year than standard rates. Total additional cost over the filing period is typically $1,000-$3,000+. Shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate.
- What triggers SR-22 requirement in South Carolina?
- Common triggers include: DUI conviction, Driving without insurance, License suspension, At-fault accident while uninsured. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my SR-22 lapses in South Carolina?
- If your SR-22 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the South Carolina DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are South Carolina's minimum coverage requirements for SR-22?
- South Carolina requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- South Carolina DMV — License Reinstatement
Official information about license reinstatement requirements in South Carolina, including SR-22 filing instructions.
- South Carolina Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — South Carolina minimum coverage: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
More for South Carolina
Suspension periods, IID requirements, penalties, and step-by-step reinstatement process.
Reinstatement fees, restricted license options, IID requirements, and timeline.
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